Customizing Your Pier and Beam House Skirt
Pier and beam houses have raised wood floors supported by pier and lateral beams, often leaving an unfinished crawl space underneath that's open to the elements. Installing a customized skirt around this perimeter not only protects the foundation but also enhances curb appeal.
From choosing the right materials to factoring in ventilation, there's a lot to consider when designing your ideal custom skirt.
Understanding Pier and Beam House Skirting
Before customizing, it helps to understand exactly what skirting is and why your pier and beam home needs it.
What is Pier and Beam House Skirting?
Skirting refers to panels or materials installed around the base of a house to enclose the crawl space between the ground and elevated foundation. It creates an outer wall, protecting the space from outdoor elements while hiding structural supports and plumbing from view.
Reasons to Install Skirting for Your Pier and Beam Home
There are several practical reasons homeowners skirt their pier and beam houses:
- Improve energy efficiency by preventing drafts
- Keep pests like rodents, termites, and snakes out of the crawl space
- Reduce humidity and moisture beneath the home
- Increase property value with better curb appeal
In short, skirting safeguards your foundation while enabling you to customize the home's look.
Benefits of Custom Skirts for Pier and Beam Houses
A customized skirt allows homeowners to personalize materials, include unique accents, improve accessibility for foundation repairs down the road, and incorporate ventilation as needed.
You're not limited to basic concrete panels or boring plywood. Get creative with textures, patterns, and trims to complement your exterior design aesthetics.
Skirting Materials For Pier and Beam Houses
Homeowners have numerous options when selecting skirting to achieve their desired functional and decorative effects:
Wood and Metal Skirting Options
Many homeowners choose easy-to-install wood or metal panels. Wood offers a classic, natural look that's also budget friendly. Use exterior-grade plywood and add trim for a custom built look. Keep costs down by painting inexpensive panels.
Metal house skirting , like steel and aluminum, withstands moisture and resists pest damage. Standing seam metal panels mimic roofing for durability; corrugated metal sheets work well for DIY projects. Modern metal skirting introduces sleek style to pier and beam exteriors.
Using Stone, Brick, Vinyl, and Other Materials
Masonry skirting like natural stone and brick veneers make impressive alternatives, albeit more expensive. These sturdy skirts don't easily sustain damage and pay homage to traditional pier and beam home designs common across America's heartland.
Homeowners concerned about durability in extreme weather often lean toward hardy vinyl skirting . Manufacturers like DuraSkirt offer vinyl panels that insulate against cold and compress for simple installation. Clean lines and low maintenance prove useful for achievable curb appeal.
Choosing Skirts Based on Budget and Preferences
When evaluating skirting materials, factor in your climate, desired aesthetics, and project budget. While natural stone and brick remain classic choices that increase property value, their specialty installation proves cost prohibitive for many.
On the affordable end, paintable wood panels or seamless vinyl sheets keep installation straightforward. Just remember insulation and ventilation rank equally important for pier and beam skirting--especially with inexpensive DIY-friendly picks.
Installing and Customizing Skirting
Once you select your preferred skirting, it's time to install and add custom touches for maximum visual impact.
DIY vs Professional Skirt Installation
Ambitious DIYers can tackle basic wood or metal skirt installations themselves. Purchase panels with integrated J-channels to simplify the siding job. Mind proper alignment and leave room for airflow to prevent moisture issues.
However, for foundations with extreme clearance challenges or multi-story designs, professional installation proves safest . Skirting pros properly assess and address potential decay or termite problems during project quotes. They also handle custom masonry work and structural considerations biblical DIYers can't.
Customizing Skirts with Trim, Lighting, Vents and More
Personalize your pier and beam's skirting with creative touches like decorative trim along the top edges or handrails along bottom edges. Accent lighting illuminates pathways and adds drama during evening hours.
Proper ventilation ranks critical for moisture control and limiting rot around pilings. Carefully spaced vents allow air circulation. Screen off openings to prevent pest entry into the crawl space. Consider removable access panels for easier inspections or foundation repairs down the road.
Steps for Correctly Installing Pier and Beam House Skirts
While materials and methods vary, correctly installing skirting requires:
- Taking precise perimeter measurements
- Assessing foundation for problem areas needing repair
- Selecting suitable materials for climate and home design
- Allowing 1-2 inches between ground and skirting for airflow
- Attaching panels securely into structural framing or footers
- Sealing seams properly per product specifications
With thoughtful planning and strategic material choice, skirts transform from basic building foundations into beautiful architectural elements.
Maintaining Your Home's Skirting
Regular inspection and care ensures your custom skirt withstands the elements long-term.
Importance of Routine Inspections and Maintenance
Plan to examine your skirting at least annually for signs of trouble like moisture damage, cracks, or pest intrusions. Repair issues immediately to limit further foundation deterioration.
Low-maintenance options like vinyl and aluminum withstand weather and require little upkeep. Wood panels may need fresh coats of paint periodically. Clear debris like piled leaves or dirt regularly to encourage airflow.
Repairing Damaged Areas or Sections
Over time, sections of skirting become damaged and need replacement. Wood rots or vinyl cracks. Before removing compromised areas, have necessary materials on hand for smooth repairs.
Measure and cut replacement panels ahead of time. Seal edges thoroughly and secure back into position. Mold-resistant and waterproof construction adhesive works wonders.
Keeping Pests Out of Pier and Beam Skirts
Rodents, snakes, roaches, and termites naturally seek protected shelter but wreak havoc on pier and beam structures. Routine pest control service deters infestations around skirtings' vulnerable ventilation gaps and seams.
If pests sneak through, fill openings with steel wool for temporary relief. Identify and seal entry points permanently with weatherproof caulk.
Ensuring Proper Moisture Control
Excess moisture under the home contributes to rot, attracts pests, and molds skirting from the inside out. Proper ground clearance, sealed seams, adequate vents, and rain diverters all combat wetness issues.
Weep holes also drain water from brick veneers and masonry skirts. When in doubt, call professionals to assess crawl space moisture levels or redirect drainage as needed.
Choosing quality materials suited for local environmental conditions allows pier and beam skirting to stand the test of time with minimal maintenance. But don't forget--its curb appeal makes all your custom touches worthwhile!
You can transform your elevated foundation into a focal feature with an eye for design.